Press Association

Jamie Vardy has been described as the "complete player" by Claude Puel ahead of Leicester City's visit to St James's Park.

Vardy has scored two of his seven Premier League goals his season in the six matches since Puel was appointed as manager at the end of October.

The 30-year-old – who joined Leicester from Fleetwood Town for £1million in 2012 – will look to score his 50th Premier League goal for the club when Leicester face Newcastle United on Saturday.

Puel has been impressed with Vardy during the short time he has been working with him and heaped praise on the player ahead of the trip to Tyneside.

"I think Jamie Vardy's the complete player," said Puel. "I would always prefer to have him in my team.

"He's enjoying his football – it's amazing to see. He works hard for the team and always has a positive attitude.

"If we can help him to score it will be 50 goals, which is a good thing. He's a great player, and now with a lot of experience – maturity in the Premier League – he can give a lot to the team. I was surprised to know his qualities."

Leicester have won half of Puel's six matches in charge, including back-to-back victories against Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley.

The club has earned 11 points under Puel, taking them up to ninth in the table.

"I don't know if I expected this," he said. "The most important thing is to continue the hard work and to keep building momentum and confidence. We need to try and improve all the time.

"We must keep a good focus and try to make a strong game. After, we'll see the result."

Puel has no new problems ahead of the trip to Newcastle, and he remains without defender Robert Huth (ankle) and midfielder Matty James (Achilles).